It Was a Jungle in There

As an A+ Magnet School, teachers and grade levels look for as many opportunities as possible to uphold the A+ Essentials as well as the Magnet Pillars, which drives our mission and vision and incorporates the theme of our school.  

One such example was a recent 5th grade unit on Ecosystems that created authentic learning environments for students to uphold diversity, innovative curriculum, academic excellence, and high quality instructional systems.

The Fifth Grade Team, (Mrs. Moore, Mrs. Bersch, Mrs. Lizarazo, and Ms. Moroni) turned their classrooms into individual Ecosystems over a period of two weeks.  Classes traveled around the 5th grade hallway into each classroom to experience the Ecosystems.  Students went on safari, hiked, sat, walked and experienced each ecosystem through posters, paintings, props and other artifacts that created the mock set ups of the Ecosystems.  As students entered the rooms, sound effects, music, and lighting helped the experience seem even more authentic.  Classes even had special safari hats for the journey, made possible by a grant received from Donors Choose.  Students and teachers enjoyed the opportunity for a fun time of learning in such an inviting learning environment.

Check out Photos of the Ecosystem Unit:  https://photos.app.goo.gl/zZLaCrU5P84PhAo28 

The Vivaldi Project

We are very pleased that we are continuing our partnership with the University of North Carolina School of the Arts.  We have ArtistCorp Members in their Arts Engaged Program working in our school daily.  One aspect of this partnership is the Vivaldi Project, which is a strings program that works with our Pre-Kindergarten Students.  The Vivaldi Project combines high-quality pedagogical training for emerging performing artists while bringing music instruction to the preschool classrooms. 

A Demo Performance for Pre-K

https://youtu.be/55nPp5Uhmro

The Vivaldi Project was originally created and implemented by world-renowned violinist Ida Bieler and was very successful in Germany, even being recognized nationally through the Ideen fuer die Bildungsrepublik prize in 2011.

The Goals and Objectives of Vivaldi include:
-Vivaldi Fellows receiving...
o Pedagogical instruction, including basic instrumental teaching methods specialized for their instrument.
o Instruction in early childhood development and proven music pedagogical methods for children.
o Monitored practicums and constant feedback from UNCSA faculty and staff.
-As a group, the Vivaldi Fellows:
o Provide twice-weekly music classes for prekindergarten students.
o Provide twice-weekly basic violin instruction for the for prekindergarten students.

-Students in this project should:
o Exhibit an increased general and specific instrumental knowledge of music.
o Learn to listen critically.
o Learn to understand the process inherent in learning an instrument and translatable to other facets of academic life: that it takes ongoing effort to improve.
o Have the opportunity to develop self-expression, resilience, creativity and confidence through music.
o Be given a new lens with which to see themselves as expressive individuals with developing skills.

Vivaldi in Action:  A Singing Exercise with Steady Beat

https://youtu.be/0ZoC-mt4NTE

Click here for a few additional photos of the Vivaldi Project Students & Instructors.